High Flow Catheter Valve Segmentation for Reflux Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Current pressure-activated valves for vascular catheters face challenges in minimizing reflux and leakage during high-flow medical applications, such as contrast agent infusions, due to latency in response time and durability issues under high pressures.

Innovation Solution

The use of smaller valve elements with optimized slit lengths and dimensions, arranged in multiple parallel flow paths, enhances response times and sealing characteristics by reducing displacement distance and contact area, thereby minimizing reflux and leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If larger valve elements are used to handle high pressures and volumes in single flow path, then pressure handling capability is improved, but response time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure handling capabilityVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is divided into multiple flow paths with smaller valve elements in each path. This segmentation allows the valve to handle high pressures effectively while each smaller element maintains fast response time due to reduced displacement distance and contact area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stress or pressure

If larger valve elements are used to handle high pressures and volumes, then pressure handling capability is improved, but sealing characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure handling capabilityVSAvoidsealing characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is divided into multiple flow paths with smaller valve elements in each path. This segmentation allows the valve to handle high pressures effectively while each smaller element maintains fast response time due to reduced displacement distance and contact area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of time

If smaller valve elements are used, then response time is improved, but pressure handling capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidpressure handling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple smaller valve elements are combined in parallel flow paths to collectively handle high pressure and volume requirements while each individual element maintains fast response characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If valves are configured for low pressure uses, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability under high pressure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddurability under high pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is divided into multiple flow paths with smaller valve elements in each path. This segmentation allows the valve to handle high pressures effectively while each smaller element maintains fast response time due to reduced displacement distance and contact area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration results in faster response times and improved sealing, reducing the risk of reflux and leakage, even under high-flow conditions, and provides increased durability for power injection applications.

Implementation Method 1

When a fluid pressure differential of sufficient magnitude arises across the disk, the disk deforms so that the edges of the slit or slits are separated and fluid can flow across the valve. The pressure necessary to deform the disk depends on variables which may include, without limitation, the thickness of the disk and the Young's modulus of the material used.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8894629B2High flow catheter valve

Publication Date: 2014.11.25 ANGIODYNAMICS INC

AI summary

Valves for regulating fluid flows through medical devices are provided. In some embodiments, the valves are adapted for use in high flow applications and multiple valve elements disposed across a plurality of fluid flow paths branching from and into one or more inlets and outlets.